mama
Mama (noun) means an affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children. Example: “The toddler ran to her mama crying.”
How to use mama
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA childlike or affectionate word for mother, though it can also be used as a warm title for an older woman.
Informal; more common in speech than formal writing.
Word forms
mamaed past tense, mamas plural, mamas plural, mamas singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddler ran to her _____ crying.
Etymology
Probably a reduplication of the baby-talk sound "ma," found in similar forms across many unrelated languages.
Related words
Rhymes for mama
See all rhymes for mama →Frequently asked questions
What does “mama” mean?
The word “mama” means an affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children. In plain terms, a childlike or affectionate word for mother, though it can also be used as a warm title for an older woman.
How do you pronounce “mama”?
“Mama” is pronounced MA-muh (/ˈmɑmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “mama” in a sentence?
Here is “mama” used in a sentence: “The toddler ran to her mama crying.”
What part of speech is “mama”?
“Mama” is a noun.
Is “mama” a common word?
“Mama” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mama” have?
“Mama” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an affectionate, informal word for mother, often used by young children.
What is the difference between "mama" and "mom"?
Both are informal, affectionate words for mother, but mama is often one of the earliest forms used by young children and can sound warmer or more old-fashioned. Mom is the more common everyday term in American English.
Is "mama" formal or informal?
Mama is informal and affectionate, typically used by children or as a warm term of address. It is not used in formal writing, where the word "mother" is preferred.
Can "mama" refer to someone other than your mother?
Yes. Beyond meaning mother, mama can serve as a respectful or affectionate term of address for an older woman. The intended meaning usually depends on the context.
What is the difference between "mama" and "mamma"?
These are spelling variants of the same affectionate word for mother, and mama is the more common modern spelling in American English. Both carry the same warm, informal tone.
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